Liverpool team news: Predicted XI vs Chelsea with Mac Allister, Jota and Nunez decisions

The first of Liverpool’s testing run of fixtures comes this Sunday when the Premier League leaders host Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Reds went into the international break top of the table by a point, but could be down to third by the time they welcome Enzo Maresca’s side for the 4pm kick-off.

The Reds have lost just once in all competitions under Arne Slot, with the Dutchman having thus far defied the doubters who questioned whether he had the experience to succeed Jurgen Klopp. 

Here, Express Sport takes you through how Liverpool FCare likely to line up against the Blues…

Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher

With Alisson not expected back from his hamstring injury until at least the end of November, Caoimhim Kelleher has the opportunity to shine between the sticks for Liverpool when it matters most. Vitezslav Jaros, who replaced the Brazilian when he limped off at Crystal Palace because Kelleher was ruled out with illness, will deputise.

Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson

Slot has constantly kept faith with his first choice back four this season, and won’t change the formula for Sunday having dismissed suggestions the transfer speculation over Trent Alexander-Arnold was unsettling the right back. The English international and Andy Robertson will again provide width, while Virgil van Dijk’s early return from international duty was a boost – with the skipper set to be partnered at centre-back by Ibrahima Konate.

Defensive midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister

Ryan Gravenberch has proved the success story of Liverpool’s season and is now a nailed-on starter in Slot’s XI. Following his groin problem, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to start after playing an hour in Argentina’s midweek win over Bolivia, but whether Endo Wataru is fit to provide cover remains to be seen after Slot revealed the Japanese international is struggling with illness.

Attacking midfield: Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz

The international break worked out kindly for Slot with Mohammed Salah also sent home early by Egypt despite no apparent fitness concerns. So it’s inevitable he’ll start against Chelsea, and with Harvey Elliott still out with injury, Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz should retain their places.

The Hungarian will take up the central role, while a decision will be made on whether Federico Chiesa can play a part after missing the games with Bologna and Crystal Palace with injury. Harvey Elliott remains out.

Striker: Jota

Diogo Jota has emerged as Slot’s first-choice striker in recent weeks, but the Dutchman may be concerned over his workload. The Portuguese forward has suffered a string of injury problems in the past 18 months and his country played later than most this week, with the 27-year-old starting Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Scotland.

If fully fit, he will still be expected to be in the line-up against Chelsea, but is also likely to be withdrawn before the final whistle. At least one of Darwin Nunez or Cody Gakpo, who also played during the international break, is likely to play a cameo role off the bench.